As a photographer, adapting and being flexible is not just a skill but a crucial aspect of creating memorable images, especially when capturing significant life milestones like college graduation. Recently, I photographed the first college graduate of a dear friend’s family at Appalachian State University. This experience reinforced the importance of flexibility and offering various options to capture the essence of a senior’s journey.
Flexibility extends beyond just adjusting your schedule; it’s about being open to different locations, poses, and moments that uniquely define the individual being photographed. In this instance, I made a five-hour journey from Roswell, Georgia, to Boone, NC, showcasing the dedication and commitment necessary to accommodate the client’s needs. It was more than a trip; it was a gesture of understanding the occasion’s significance and the role photography plays in preserving these precious memories.
The variety of options for capturing the graduate added depth and richness to the visual narrative. We explored several locations on campus, each holding its significance in the graduate’s journey. From the stoic front of the sciences building to the vibrant backdrop of the music building and the intimate setting of the music auditorium stage – each location told a different aspect of the graduate’s story. Additionally, we ventured outside the academic realm, incorporating symbolic elements such as the Yosef mascot statue, the serene lakeside, and the iconic campus sign.
For this particular family, the session was more than just a photo shoot; it celebrated their first college graduate among three boys. The flexibility in location choices ensured that each photograph was not just a visual record but a representation of the diverse experiences and achievements of the graduate. By offering a range of options, I aimed to capture the multifaceted personality of the individual, blending his academic success with his passion for music.
Having previously photographed the senior photos of all three brothers during high school, I understood these images’ sentimental value for the family. It was not merely about taking pictures but about weaving a visual tapestry that told the story of their journey from high school seniors to college graduates.
In photography, flexibility goes beyond technical skills; it is an understanding of the emotional weight carried by the moments we capture. It’s about recognizing that each client has a unique story to tell, and as photographers, our role is to adapt and create a visual narrative that resonates with the essence of their journey. So, the next time you embark on a senior photo session, remember the power of flexibility – in your schedule, locations, and approach – because it’s in that flexibility that the true magic of senior photography happens.
